same_o flock_n or_o society_n in_o general_a and_o so_o believer_n profess_v the_o faith_n and_o walk_v in_o holiness_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n as_o actual_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n though_o not_o set_v member_n of_o one_o congregationall_a church_n 4._o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o here_o that_o it_o have_v and_o may_v fall_v out_o many_o time_n through_o ignorance_n hasty-greediness_n or_o pride_n of_o a_o prevail_a faction_n in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o the_o best_a member_n of_o the_o orthodox_n visible_a flock_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v no_o actual_a member_n of_o any_o distinct_a society_n and_o shall_v they_o for_o this_o be_v account_v man_n out_o of_o covenant_n and_o their_o posterity_n be_v esteem_v alien_n and_o stranger_n but_o if_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n then_o be_v they_o holy_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o their_o child_n holy_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v right_a to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n thus_o mr._n rob._n frame_v the_o argument_n the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n 39_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v by_o christ_n appointment_n and_o the_o apostle_n example_n only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v external_o and_o so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v teach_v and_o make_v disciple_n do_v receive_v the_o word_n glad_o do_v believe_v and_o so_o profess_v have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o their_o seed_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n 19_o day_n understand_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o their_o practice_n in_o receive_v believer_n and_o their_o seed_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v answerable_a as_o may_v be_v show_v at_o large_a if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n confess_v hereunto_o you_o answer_v answer_n where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v and_o receive_v which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o centurion_n and_o where_o faith_n be_v profess_v according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o rest_n there_o none_o may_v hinder_v they_o from_o be_v baptize_v viz._n by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o instance_n give_v baptism_n be_v administer_v either_o by_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n not_o ordinary_a pastor_n the_o person_n baptize_v if_o they_o be_v member_n of_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o baptism_n in_o their_o state_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v officer_n of_o all_o church_n may_v dispense_v the_o seal_n to_o they_o where_o ever_o they_o come_v which_o yet_o will_v not_o warrant_v ordinary_a officer_n to_o do_v the_o same_o nor_o be_v it_o improbable_a but_o that_o all_o these_o be_v in_o church-order_n art_n on_o act._n 18._o 1._o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o centurion_n have_v a_o constitute_v church_n in_o his_o house_n the_o eunuch_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n 27._o argue_v he_o to_o be_v a_o proselyte_n and_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n capable_a of_o church_n privilege_n at_o that_o time_n as_o for_o lydia_n and_o the_o jailer_n it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o church_n at_o philippâ—_n which_o communicate_v with_o paul_n as_o concern_v give_v and_o receive_v as_o he_o express_o say_v before_o his_o departure_n be_v from_o macedonia_n which_o departure_n 15._o be_v immediate_o upon_o the_o gaylors_n conversion_n in_o which_o respect_n what_o shall_v hinder_v that_o lydia_n and_o the_o jailer_n shall_v first_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o to_o be_v baptize_v though_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o that_o story_n as_o neither_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n which_o paul_n mention_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n at_o least_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o lydia_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n because_o she_o be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o that_o worship_v god_n but_o if_o any_o man_n think_v they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o church_n yet_o baptize_v though_o we_o see_v not_o how_o it_o will_v be_v prove_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v so_o the_o object_n do_v no_o whit_n weaken_v the_o argument_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o ordinary_a dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o not_o of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n so_o that_o suppose_v that_o in_o the_o case_n allege_v baptism_n dispense_v to_o some_o that_o be_v not_o in_o church-fellowship_n yet_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o so_o do_v will_v not_o warrant_v ordinary_a pastor_n to_o do_v the_o like_a the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n why_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n may_v administer_v baptism_n out_o of_o church-order_n whereas_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n may_v not_o be_v double_a 1._o because_o their_o call_n give_v they_o illimited_a power_n over_o all_o man_n especial_o christian_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n can_v do_v a_o act_n of_o power_n but_o only_o over_o their_o own_o church_n which_o have_v call_v they_o to_o watch_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o because_o they_o be_v assist_v with_o a_o immediate_a direction_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o administration_n in_o the_o case_n allege_v but_o ordinary_a church-officer_n be_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o not_o to_o expect_v immediate_a inspiration_n and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n for_o their_o help_n in_o such_o case_n this_o difference_n between_o apostle_n and_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v or_o otherwise_o a_o man_n may_v from_o their_o example_n justify_v baptism_n in_o private_a house_n reply_n this_o answer_n stand_v of_o many_o part_n wherein_o thing_n doubtful_a be_v affirm_v and_o that_o which_o more_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o the_o consideration_n before_o allege_v and_o the_o answer_n itself_o then_o of_o the_o reason_n whereunto_o it_o be_v apply_v for_o first_o if_o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v and_o receive_v and_o where_o faith_n be_v profess_v according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n there_o none_o may_v hinder_v they_o from_o be_v baptize_v viz._n by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o baptize_v they_o then_o either_o man_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o profess_v the_o faith_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o baptism_n be_v not_o a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n than_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v dispense_v to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n or_o be_v set_v member_n of_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n then_o the_o apostle_n in_o dispense_n the_o seal_n unto_o such_o or_o command_v they_o to_o be_v dispense_v do_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o upon_o ground_n common_a to_o they_o and_o we_o viz._n they_o admit_v they_o unto_o the_o sacrament_n who_o have_v right_a and_o interest_n to_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o institutor_n not_o extraordinary_o reveal_v beside_o the_o common_a rule_n or_o by_o special_a dispensation_n and_o prerogative_n except_v from_o the_o common_a rule_n but_o make_v know_v in_o the_o institution_n itself_o and_o then_o the_o difficulty_n remain_v be_v only_o this_o whether_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n have_v authority_n from_o christ_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o one_o who_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o they_o and_o do_v orderly_o desire_v that_o benefit_n because_o he_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o receive_v as_o a_o set_a member_n of_o that_o particular_a society_n which_o your_o practice_n in_o admit_v of_o set_a member_n of_o other_o congregation_n unto_o the_o seal_n do_v manifest_o convince_v for_o if_o both_o have_v equal_a interest_n unto_o the_o seal_n the_o pastor_n upon_o lawful_a suit_n and_o request_n have_v equal_a authority_n to_o receive_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o second_o in_o the_o particular_a instance_n give_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o baptism_n be_v evermore_o administer_v by_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n for_o before_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o disciple_n baptize_v when_o they_o be_v proper_o neither_o apostle_n nor_o evangelist_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o insist_v 27._o upon_o conjecture_n whether_o any_o assist_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o baptise_v of_o the_o first_o three_o thousand_o convert_v it_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o peter_n baptize_v cornelius_n and_o his_o family_n or_o command_v other_o then_o present_a with_o 48._o
as_o erroneous_a we_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o be_v offend_v you_o know_v how_o oft_o it_o have_v be_v object_v that_o nonconformist_n in_o practice_n be_v separatist_n in_o heart_n but_o that_o they_o go_v cross_v to_o their_o own_o position_n or_o smother_v the_o truth_n for_o sinister_a end_n they_o of_o the_o separation_n boast_v that_o they_o stand_v upon_o the_o nonconformist's_a ground_n a_o vainglorious_a flourish_n and_o sleight_n pretence_n but_o both_o these_o be_v much_o countenance_v by_o your_o sudden_a change_n if_o you_o be_v change_v as_o it_o be_v report_v how_o shall_v your_o brethren_n be_v able_a to_o stand_v up_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o innocence_n and_o the_o uprightness_n of_o their_o cause_n when_o your_o example_n and_o opinion_n shall_v be_v cast_v in_o their_o dish_n must_v they_o leave_v you_o now_o with_o who_o they_o have_v hold_v society_n or_o will_v you_o plead_v for_o separation_n which_o you_o have_v condemn_v as_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a you_o know_v that_o thy_o who_o have_v run_v this_o way_n have_v fall_v into_o manifold_a division_n and_o may_v not_o you_o just_o fear_v lest_o the_o same_o befall_v you_o some_o warning_n you_o have_v have_v already_o and_o have_v you_o not_o cause_n to_o fear_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o error_n be_v very_o fruitful_a and_o will_v spread_v apace_o a_o crack_n in_o the_o foundation_n may_v occasion_v a_o wide_a breach_n in_o the_o build_n where_o there_o will_v not_o be_v mean_n or_o mind_n to_o amend_v it_o experience_v every_o day_n may_v tutor_v we_o herein_o but_o to_o let_v pass_v all_o inconvenience_n our_o request_n in_o all_o meekness_n and_o love_n be_v that_o if_o these_o or_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a opinion_n be_v indeed_o your_o tenant_n you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v a_o second_o review_v of_o your_o ground_n and_o send_v we_o your_o strong_a reason_n that_o have_v sway_v you_o in_o these_o matter_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o upon_o due_a examination_n to_o be_v such_o as_o will_v carry_v weight_n we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v you_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n if_o otherwise_o you_o shall_v receive_v our_o just_a and_o modest_a animadversion_n in_o what_o we_o conceive_v you_o have_v err_v from_o the_o truth_n you_o will_v not_o judge_v if_o we_o can_v apprehend_v the_o strength_n of_o your_o ground_n it_o be_v because_o we_o love_v not_o the_o truth_n or_o be_v carry_v with_o by-respect_n though_o these_o conceit_n prevail_v too_o much_o such_o rigid_a and_o harsh_a censure_n can_v lodge_v in_o meek_a and_o humble_a breast_n weighty_a reason_n promote_v the_o truth_n not_o unadvised_a judge_n you_o yourselves_o have_v judge_v that_o to_o be_v error_n which_o now_o you_o take_v to_o be_v truth_n when_o yet_o you_o be_v not_o blind_v with_o by-respect_n nor_o hudwink_v your_o eye_n that_o you_o may_v not_o see_v the_o light_n and_o if_o you_o have_v just_a warrant_n from_o god_n to_o pull_v down_o what_o you_o have_v build_v and_o to_o build_v what_o you_o have_v pull_v down_o we_o desire_v you_o will_v love_o and_o mature_o impart_v it_o for_o as_o yet_o we_o have_v see_v none_o which_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o prove_v and_o show_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o carry_v any_o burden_n we_o adore_v with_o you_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o know_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v stand_v if_o you_o can_v show_v that_o you_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v hearty_o rejoice_v to_o walk_v with_o you_o but_o if_o you_o have_v turn_v aside_o we_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v that_o you_o will_v be_v please_v serious_o to_o consider_v the_o matter_n and_o speedy_o reform_v what_o be_v out_o of_o order_n thus_o not_o doubt_v of_o your_o favourable_a interpretation_n of_o this_o our_o motion_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o distraction_n maintenance_n of_o peace_n and_o search_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v direct_v to_o live_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o comfort_n of_o our_o soul_n beseech_v god_n to_o lead_v and_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o keep_v we_o blameless_a until_o his_o glorious_a appearance_n we_o rest_v your_o love_a brethren_n a_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_a to_o those_o godly_a minister_n forementioned_a that_o send_v over_o the_o position_n reverend_a and_o belove_a brethren_n in_o these_o remote_a coast_n of_o the_o earth_n whereunto_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n have_v bring_v we_o as_o we_o do_v with_o much_o comfort_n of_o heart_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o many_o gracious_a blessing_n which_o both_o with_o you_o and_o from_o you_o we_o enjoy_v in_o our_o christian_a and_o holy_a communion_n the_o memory_n and_o fruit_n whereof_o we_o hope_v shall_v never_o be_v blot_v out_o so_o we_o have_v also_o see_v cause_n to_o look_v back_o to_o our_o former_a administration_n there_o and_o to_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n that_o wherein_o soever_o we_o have_v former_o go_v astray_o we_o may_v judge_v ourselves_o for_o it_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o see_v now_o god_n have_v set_v before_o we_o a_o open_a door_n of_o liberty_n we_o may_v neither_o abuse_v our_o liberty_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o run_v out_o into_o any_o groundless_a unwarrantable_a course_n nor_o neglect_v the_o present_a opportunity_n to_o administer_v by_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n in_o our_o native_a country_n when_o we_o be_v first_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n many_o of_o we_o take_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o lawful_a which_o in_o aftertime_n we_o see_v to_o be_v sinful_a and_o dare_v not_o continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o there_o afterward_o some_o thing_n that_o we_o bear_v as_o burden_n that_o be_v as_o thing_n inexpedient_a though_o not_o utter_o unlawful_a we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o retain_v and_o practice_v the_o same_o thing_n here_o which_o will_v not_o have_v be_v not_o only_o inexpedient_a but_o unlawful_a such_o thing_n as_o a_o man_n may_v tolerate_v when_o he_o can_v remove_v they_o he_o can_v tolerate_v without_o sin_n when_o he_o may_v remove_v they_o beside_o some_o thing_n we_o practise_v there_o which_o we_o speak_v to_o our_o shame_n and_o grief_n which_o we_o never_o take_v into_o serious_a consideration_n whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o expedient_a or_o no_o but_o take_v they_o for_o grant_v and_o general_o receive_v not_o only_o by_o the_o most_o reform_a church_n but_o by_o the_o most_o godly_a and_o judicious_a servant_n of_o god_n among_o they_o which_o nevertheless_o when_o we_o come_v to_o weigh_v they_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n we_o can_v not_o find_v sufficient_a warrant_n in_o the_o word_n to_o receive_v they_o and_o establish_v they_o here_o of_o one_o of_o these_o three_o kind_n will_v these_o our_o present_a practice_n appear_v to_o be_v which_o you_o call_v our_o new_a opinion_n or_o innovation_n here_o except_o it_o be_v some_o few_o of_o they_o which_o though_o they_o have_v be_v report_v to_o you_o to_o be_v our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n yet_o be_v indeed_o far_o from_o we_o the_o partieulars_n be_v too_o many_o and_o too_o weighty_a to_o give_v you_o account_n of_o they_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o proceed_n about_o they_o in_o a_o letter_n but_o to_o give_v you_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o better_a satisfaction_n we_o have_v send_v you_o a_o short_a treatise_n touch_v each_o particular_a that_o according_a to_o your_o desire_n you_o may_v understand_v from_o we_o how_o far_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v any_o of_o these_o tenant_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n hope_v that_o according_a to_o your_o promise_n if_o upon_o due_a examination_n you_o shall_v find_v any_o weight_n in_o they_o you_o will_v give_v we_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n but_o if_o otherwise_o you_o will_v send_v we_o your_o just_a and_o faithful_a animadversion_n and_o we_o do_v not_o suspect_v your_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n or_o your_o sincere_a speak_v according_a to_o your_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n neither_o tax_v we_o you_o as_o side_v from_o the_o truth_n with_o by-respect_n whereof_o you_o complain_v very_o we_o abhor_v such_o rash_a harsh_a and_o presumptuous_a notoriousnesse_n we_o see_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o suspect_v the_o integrity_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o you_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o be_v more_o privy_a to_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n then_o to_o you_o and_o we_o can_v but_o with_o much_o thankfulness_n of_o heart_n acknowledge_v
god_n to_o make_v they_o disciple_n 15._o and_o not_o to_o preach_v unto_o disciple_n only_o or_o member_n of_o the_o household_n 9_o the_o apostle_n certain_o have_v authority_n and_o preach_v by_o authority_n but_o they_o preach_v not_o to_o infidel_n and_o heathen_n as_o to_o disciple_n or_o etc._n member_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o do_v they_o give_v a_o portion_n to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o household_n which_o be_v the_o preach_n by_o office_n which_o you_o acknowledge_v three_o if_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n you_o comprehend_v preach_v by_o office_n dispense_n the_o seal_n cast_v out_o and_o receive_v again_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n we_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a we_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n ever_o grant_v such_o power_n to_o the_o faithful_a as_o faithful_a join_v together_o in_o covenant_n in_o those_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o this_o power_n the_o execution_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o authority_n be_v commit_v 224._o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o must_v derive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o from_o christ_n for_o the_o power_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v give_v but_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v not_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n immediate_o and_o if_o the_o dispensation_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o key_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_n do_v it_o hold_v in_o all_o thing_n or_o only_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o preach_v by_o office_n do_v they_o dispense_v the_o seal_n as_o the_o steward_n of_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o or_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n if_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a if_o in_o the_o second_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a gift_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o minister_n so_o much_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o he_o must_v receive_v law_n in_o who_o name_n he_o must_v do_v his_o office_n and_o to_o who_o he_o must_v give_v a_o account_n we_o can_v wish_v you_o have_v explain_v in_o what_o sense_n you_o hold_v the_o dispensation_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o by_o who_o for_o if_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v to_o do_v in_o all_o matter_n concern_v the_o body_n to_o 202_o admit_v member_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o to_o make_v and_o depose_v minister_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v by_o authority_n derive_v from_o christ_n we_o can_v see_v how_o in_o your_o judgement_n the_o dispensation_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_n four_o that_o which_o you_o add_v that_o god_n will_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n to_o a_o ordinance_n but_o when_o it_o be_v dispense_v by_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v thereunto_o must_v be_v wary_o understand_v or_o it_o may_v occasion_v error_n and_o distraction_n not_o a_o few_o you_o know_v what_o corruption_n soon_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n office_n and_o entrance_n thereunto_o and_o how_o ready_a and_o apt_a be_v the_o conclusion_n from_o your_o word_n that_o 79._o christ_n have_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n in_o his_o ordinance_n to_o his_o church_n but_o of_o this_o before_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a see_v god_n have_v vouchsafe_v his_o blessing_n in_o his_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o yourselves_o when_o you_o stand_v as_o visible_a minister_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o church_n of_o old_a england_n you_o must_v confess_v do_v approve_v both_o your_o stand_n and_o his_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o you_o second_o as_o for_o the_o assumption_n that_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a charge_n or_o society_n but_o that_o flock_n be_v not_o ever_o one_o congregationall_a assembly_n meet_v in_o one_o place_n neither_o the_o band_n so_o straight_o whereby_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o that_o one_o society_n that_o they_o may_v not_o upon_o occasion_n perform_v some_o ministerial_a act_n or_o office_n in_o another_o congregation_n or_o to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o their_o proper_a assembly_n for_o first_o to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o ministerial_a act_n a_o act_n of_o office_n and_o not_o a_o exercise_n of_o gift_n only_o but_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o assembly_n may_v dispense_v the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o set_a member_n of_o another_o society_n upon_o occasion_n as_o you_o confess_v in_o this_o and_o in_o your_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o position_n and_o if_o the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n may_v lawful_o upon_o occasion_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n in_o another_o society_n from_o the_o pastor_n thereof_o then_o may_v the_o pastor_n of_o one_o congregation_n perform_v a_o ministerial_a act_n to_o the_o member_n of_o another_o and_o if_o to_o the_o member_n of_o another_o then_o in_o another_o congregation_n with_o consent_n and_o upon_o occasion_n second_o as_o the_o minister_n be_v exhort_v to_o feed_v their_o fleek_n so_o be_v every_o christian_n and_o minister_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v himself_o whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o you_o will_v not_o allow_v this_o conclusion_n i_o must_v examine_v myself_o ergo_fw-la 5._o no_o man_n be_v debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o his_o unworthiness_n or_o to_o be_v try_v or_o examine_v by_o other_o to_o be_v observe_v admonish_v and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n for_o notorious_a sin_n no_o more_o can_v it_o be_v right_o gather_v from_o the_o former_a passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o upon_o occasion_n to_o perform_v 252._o any_o ministerial_a act_n to_o any_o other_o people_n or_o society_n because_o ordinary_o he_o be_v to_o attend_v his_o own_o flock_n three_o as_o the_o minister_n have_v peculiar_a relation_n to_o their_o particular_a flock_n so_o the_o people_n unto_o their_o particular_a minister_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v tie_v in_o special_a manner_n as_o to_o their_o overseer_n who_o must_v give_v account_n for_o theirscul_n and_o if_o this_o peculiar_a relation_n betwixt_o the_o people_n &_o the_o minister_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o people_n from_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o another_o minister_n nor_o the_o minister_n from_o perform_v the_o ministerial_a act_n to_o the_o member_n of_o another_o congregation_n neither_o do_v his_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o his_o own_o flock_n hinder_v he_o from_o administer_a unto_o other_o upon_o just_a occasion_n be_v entreat_v thereunto_o as_o the_o combine_a of_o the_o people_n to_o their_o peculiar_a minister_n do_v not_o quite_o cut_v off_o their_o communion_n with_o other_o minister_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o restrain_v of_o a_o minister_n to_o a_o peculiar_a flock_n quite_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o administer_a upon_o occasion_n unto_o another_o people_n paul_n appoint_v the_o ephesian_a elder_n unto_o the_o care_n &_o charge_n only_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a flock_n but_o so_o to_o attend_v they_o 13._o ordinary_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v may_v perform_v some_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o congregation_n the_o take_a heed_n unto_o their_o flock_n which_o paul_n require_v in_o this_o place_n do_v comprehend_v under_o it_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o if_o it_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n only_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o pastor_n to_o preach_v or_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o any_o public_a assembly_n save_o his_o own_o upon_o any_o occasion_n as_o these_o be_v duty_n prtain_v to_o common_a confession_n or_o profession_n of_o faith_n ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n it_o be_v true_a be_v not_o apostle_n who_o be_v to_o go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n from_o country_n to_o country_n to_o plant_v and_o erect_v church_n but_o they_o be_v tie_v ordinary_o to_o one_o flock_n as_o the_o text_n prove_v and_o to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v common_o cite_v but_o that_o a_o pastor_n be_v so_o tie_v to_o his_o flock_n that_o he_o can_v perform_v no_o ministerial_a act_n to_o any_o other_o upon_o any_o occasion_n that_o it_o prove_v not_o nor_o can_v we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v ever_o so_o understand_v by_o divine_n ancient_a or_o modern_a
relation_n to_o their_o flock_n only_o and_o must_v not_o meddle_v beyond_o their_o calling_n according_a to_o your_o tenant_n 11_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o 1â—3_n scripture_n more_o to_o warrant_v the_o admit_v of_o a_o set_a member_n of_o one_o congregation_n unto_o the_o supper_n in_o another_o or_o the_o baptise_n of_o his_o child_n occasional_o in_o another_o assembly_n then_o there_o be_v for_o receive_v of_o know_a and_o approve_a christian_n and_o their_o seed_n that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n the_o pastor_n be_v no_o more_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o one_o then_o of_o the_o other_o nor_o the_o one_o more_o of_o his_o flock_n then_o the_o other_o neither_o of_o they_o set_v member_n and_o both_o sort_n may_v be_v member_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o they_o most_o proper_o who_o be_v of_o long_a abode_n among_o they_o but_o as_o we_o hear_v it_o 288._o be_v frequent_a among_o you_o as_o at_o dorchester_n etc._n etc._n to_o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o another_o assembly_n and_o usual_o you_o admit_v to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n member_n of_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o so_o limit_v to_o his_o particular_a church_n or_o flock_n but_o he_o may_v dispense_v the_o seal_n to_o other_o which_o in_o this_o consideration_n be_v deny_v 12_o if_o the_o want_n of_o one_o officer_n in_o a_o congregation_n for_o a_o time_n may_v be_v supply_v by_o another_o as_o the_o want_n of_o the_o doctor_n rule_v elder_a or_o deacon_n by_o the_o pastor_n why_o may_v not_o the_o defect_n of_o some_o congregation_n or_o christian_n be_v supply_v by_o pastor_n or_o minister_n of_o another_o congregation_n when_o they_o be_v request_v and_o desire_v the_o mind_n herein_o be_v godly_a and_o the_o mean_n lawful_a and_o well_o please_v unto_o god_n 13_o and_o if_o a_o synod_n consist_v of_o sundry_a member_n of_o particular_a church_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n about_o the_o common_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o supper_n we_o can_v see_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o as_o unlawful_a although_o that_o assembly_n be_v no_o particular_a congregation_n or_o church_n have_v no_o pastor_n over_o they_o make_v not_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n as_o a_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n unless_o it_o be_v for_o the_o time_n only_o the_o minister_n therefore_o may_v do_v a_o act_n of_o office_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o his_o flock_n as_o he_o may_v stand_v in_o relation_n to_o they_o for_o the_o time_n 14_o your_o comparison_n betwixt_o a_o officer_n of_o a_o town_n corporate_a and_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o alike_o unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o a_o member_n of_o another_o corporation_n occasional_o come_v into_o the_o town_n be_v thereby_o a_o member_n of_o that_o society_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o officer_n for_o so_o you_o profess_v that_o the_o member_n of_o one_o society_n may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o another_o and_o so_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pastor_n for_o the_o time_n be_v which_o if_o you_o grant_v it_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o this_o consideration_n howsoever_o the_o comparison_n itself_o be_v very_o perilous_a if_o it_o be_v press_v for_o if_o the_o officer_n of_o a_o town_n corporate_a presume_v to_o do_v a_o act_n of_o power_n out_o of_o his_o own_o corporation_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n but_o if_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispense_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o believer_n of_o another_o society_n though_o do_v without_o consent_n it_o be_v never_o deem_v or_o judge_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v the_o comparison_n hold_v good_a and_o most_o christian_n have_v cause_n to_o question_v whether_o they_o be_v true_o baptize_v or_o ever_o lawful_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v doubt_v whether_o ever_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_o or_o by_o authority_n dispense_v especial_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o follow_v in_o the_o other_o consideration_n this_o argument_n from_o comparison_n be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o write_n of_o brethren_n against_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n great_o mistake_v to_o say_v no_o more_o answer_v 3_o consideration_n circumcision_n and_o the_o passoever_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v so_o to_o be_v administer_v also_o the_o consequence_n be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o parity_n of_o these_o ordinance_n for_o if_o the_o argument_n hold_v strong_a for_o the_o proof_n of_o paedobaptism_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o circumcision_n of_o infant_n why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o church_n membership_n to_o baptism_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o circumcision_n and_o that_o circumcision_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v appear_v in_o that_o person_n circumcise_v &_o only_o they_o may_v eat_v the_o passeover_n and_o they_o only_o may_v enter_v into_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o church_n member_n in_o our_o 447._o answer_n to_o the_o second_o objection_n against_o the_o first_o consideration_n we_o have_v show_v that_o circumcision_n be_v not_o administer_v to_o all_o that_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o all_o believer_n be_v but_o only_o such_o of_o they_o as_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n at_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n whereunto_o baptism_n do_v so_o far_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n count_v these_o express_a equivalent_a to_o be_v circumcise_v in_o christ_n with_o circumcision_n make_v without_o 12._o hand_n and_o to_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n in_o baptism_n indeed_o in_o something_n they_o differ_v as_o only_o the_o male_n be_v circumcise_v whereas_o with_o we_o female_n be_v also_o baptize_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v limit_v circumcision_n to_o the_o male_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n that_o difference_n be_v take_v away_o again_o circumcision_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o private_a family_n but_o baptism_n only_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v because_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o circumcise_v the_o male_n on_o the_o eight_o day_n but_o that_o can_v not_o stand_v with_o go_v to_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v too_o far_o off_o for_o the_o purpose_n to_o bring_v every_o child_n thither_o from_o all_o part_n of_o judaea_n to_o be_v circumcise_a the_o eight_o day_n nor_o have_v they_o always_o opportunity_n of_o a_o solemn_a convention_n in_o the_o synagogue_n on_o every_o eight_o day_n when_o some_o child_n or_o other_o may_v be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v but_o there_o be_v no_o precise_a day_n set_v down_o so_o baptism_n nor_o be_v opportunity_n of_o public_a assembly_n so_o remote_a where_o church_n be_v keep_v in_o a_o congregationall_a frame_n but_o that_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n baptism_n may_v be_v administer_v if_o it_o be_v require_v again_o for_o the_o aforesaid_a reason_n circumcision_n require_v not_o a_o peculiar_a minister_n for_o aught_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d in_o baptism_n as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o second_o consideration_n but_o no_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o in_o this_o they_o shall_v not_o both_o agree_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v both_o to_o be_v dispense_v only_o to_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n reply_n this_o whole_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v propound_v make_v only_o against_o itself_o who_o eveâ—_n think_v that_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o confederate_n or_o thâ—_n church_n of_o god_n but_o of_o old_a all_o visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n walk_v in_o holiness_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o church_n order_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o those_o time_n though_o not_o join_v in_o external_a society_n with_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o to_o exclude_v melchisedeck_v or_o job_n because_o they_o be_v nâ—â—_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n when_o yet_o they_o be_v visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o church_n order_n as_o those_o time_n require_v be_v well-nigh_o a_o contradiction_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o debar_v know_v and_o approve_a christian_n member_n of_o ouâ—_n congregation_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o the_o seal_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o
passeover_n in_o any_o society_n in_o the_o place_n which_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o name_n there_o exod._n 12._o 4._o 47._o deut._n 16._o 1_o 2._o so_o all_o baptise_a person_n have_v true_a and_o entire_a right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o every_o true_a church_n where_o god_n have_v set_v his_o name_n three_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o every_o church_n privilege_n for_o one_o may_v have_v right_a to_o some_o who_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o other_o the_o member_n of_o one_o society_n may_v hear_v the_o word_n join_v in_o prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o another_o when_o they_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o their_o teacher_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o another_o congregation_n and_o hereto_o he_o need_v no_o other_o call_v but_o that_o god_n offer_v a_o opportunity_n there_o be_v much_o need_n of_o his_o help_n and_o he_o be_v entreat_v or_o have_v leave_v from_o they_o in_o place_n or_o office_n but_o he_o be_v not_o to_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o society_n or_o cast_v they_o out_o that_o be_v admit_v and_o if_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n shall_v preach_v or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o another_o contrary_a to_o the_o like_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o society_n and_o governor_n though_o the_o act_n be_v irregular_a it_o be_v never_o esteem_v a_o nullity_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v presume_v to_o excommunicate_v the_o member_n of_o another_o society_n without_o the_o consent_n oâ—_n the_o church_n and_o approbation_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n under_o who_o charge_n and_o jurisdiction_n they_o live_v it_o have_v be_v judge_v a_o mere_a nullity_n therefore_o the_o proposition_n be_v not_o so_o evident_a as_o to_o be_v take_v without_o proof_n that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o admit_v a_o believer_n into_o communion_n in_o any_o church_n privilege_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v four_o that_o visible_a believer_n baptize_v into_o a_o true_a church_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o walk_v in_o holy_a obedience_n and_o godly_a conversation_n that_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v judge_v such_o as_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n 12._o sense_n because_o they_o be_v not_o external_o join_v as_o set_v member_n to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n in_o church-covenant_n be_v affirm_v not_o prove_v 1._o it_o have_v and_o may_v fall_v out_o many_o time_n through_o the_o ignorance_n rashness_n or_o pride_n of_o a_o prevail_a faction_n in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o the_o best_a member_n of_o the_o orthodox_n visible_a flock_n or_o congregation_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o distinct_a visible_a society_n and_o shall_v their_o posterity_n be_v esteem_v alien_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o their_o parent_n be_v unjust_o separate_v from_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n sure_o as_o parent_n unjust_o excommunicate_v do_v continue_v still_o not_o only_o true_a member_n of_o the_o invisible_a body_n but_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o right_n of_o baptism_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o infant_n of_o such_o parent_n though_o not_o actual_a and_o constant_a member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o present_a assembly_n in_o church_n order_n 2._o if_o they_o be_v without_o because_o no_o member_n of_o a_o politic_a body_n or_o spiritual_a fellowship_n then_o all_o member_n which_o be_v of_o one_o society_n be_v without_o to_o another_o for_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n or_o subject_n to_o the_o authority_n one_o of_o another_o and_o so_o not_o be_v under_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n to_o it_o they_o be_v without_o whereas_o in_o ancient_a and_o modern_a time_n distinct_a society_n do_v communicate_v together_o admit_v and_o receive_v each_o other_o as_o brethren_n to_o testify_v their_o fellowship_n in_o the_o faith_n if_o the_o reason_n whereupon_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o within_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o not_o under_o their_o censure_n or_o judgement_n this_o hold_v true_a of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o another_o society_n admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o well_o as_o of_o such_o as_o be_v no_o set_a member_n desire_v to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n 3._o the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n do_v they_o not_o explain_v who_o the_o apostle_n point_v unto_o by_o the_o title_n of_o be_v without_o ver_fw-la 10._o 11._o such_o as_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 4._o church_n order_n be_v necessary_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o this_o order_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a and_o set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n by_o covenant_n to_o make_v he_o a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o give_v he_o title_n or_o interest_n to_o the_o public_a order_n this_o be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n 5._o paul_n divide_v all_o man_n into_o two_o rank_n the_o first_o and_o great_a without_o the_o last_o and_o lesser_a within_o but_o that_o believer_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o and_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v reckon_v among_o they_o that_o be_v without_o that_o we_o read_v not_o in_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o scripture_n but_o in_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n heretic_n themselves_o 19_o be_v within_o the_o church_n 6._o the_o believer_n not_o yet_o gather_v as_o the_o godly_a learn_v think_v into_o a_o certain_a distinct_a body_n be_v call_v believer_n brethren_n disciple_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v comprehend_v under_o they_o that_o be_v without_o it_o have_v not_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o church_n 7._o without_o say_v the_o apostle_n whether_o allude_v to_o this_o place_n or_o not_o let_v other_o judge_v be_v dog_n enchanter_n whoremonger_n not_o such_o as_o be_v call_v 101._o faithful_a and_o holy_a walk_v in_o integrity_n believe_v in_o and_o profess_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v their_o saviour_n 8._o they_o that_o be_v without_o in_o the_o aposte_n sense_n be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o pass_v such_o rash_a and_o unadvised_a censure_n upon_o your_o brethren_n who_o be_v not_o gather_v into_o your_o society_n as_o set_v member_n 9_o let_v the_o interpretation_n stand_v and_o he_o be_v without_o not_o only_o who_o be_v no_o set_a member_n of_o some_o congregationall_a assembly_n but_o he_o that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o community_n of_o that_o particular_a combination_n few_o or_o many_o with_o or_o without_o officer_n and_o so_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o ascribe_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o the_o presbitry_n or_o class_n and_o not_o to_o the_o community_n and_o some_o among_o yourselves_o if_o not_o the_o most_o shall_v be_v without_o also_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v think_v approve_v christian_n desire_v to_o be_v receive_v unto_o the_o sacrament_n either_o to_o be_v without_o or_o uncapable_a of_o church_n censure_n for_o the_o time_n be_v if_o they_o shall_v offend_v though_o not_o set_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n for_o desire_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n or_o themselves_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o the_o time_n they_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o and_o as_o they_o be_v member_n for_o the_o time_n so_o they_o may_v be_v proceed_v against_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o they_o will_v proceed_v with_o a_o offend_a member_n 10._o if_o upon_o just_a and_o good_a reason_n a_o passage_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v clear_v to_o prove_v that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v never_o allege_v by_o any_o writer_n we_o be_v not_o to_o except_v against_o any_o truth_n of_o god_n because_o it_o want_v man_n testimony_n only_o if_o we_o desire_v credit_n in_o such_o case_n our_o reason_n must_v be_v weighty_a and_o convince_a but_o for_o your_o exposition_n of_o this_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o observe_v one_o substantial_a ground_n or_o approve_a author_n to_o be_v allege_v doctor_n ames_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o christian_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n give_v this_o reason_n quoniam_fw-la alius_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la quâ—â—_n conturbentur_fw-la signa_fw-la illa_fw-la quibus_fw-la
ever_o in_o ordinary_a way_n the_o sacrament_n be_v lawful_o dispense_v or_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o they_o now_o the_o premise_n be_v liable_a to_o so_o many_o exception_n the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o will_v fall_v of_o itself_o and_o thereunto_o we_o oppose_v the_o direct_a contrary_n that_o infidel_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n or_o godly_a christian_n former_o visible_a believer_n know_v and_o approve_a member_n of_o congregation_n profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o substance_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o desire_v and_o expect_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v dispense_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n though_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v not_o join_v into_o such_o church-state_n and_o call_v of_o minister_n as_o you_o require_v answer_v 7._o consideration_n that_o our_o practice_n may_v not_o be_v censure_v as_o novel_a and_o singular_a give_v we_o leave_v to_o produce_v a_o precedent_n of_o the_o like_a care_n observe_v and_o approve_v by_o public_a countenance_n of_o state_n in_o the_o day_n of_o edward_n 6._o of_o bless_a and_o famous_a memory_n who_o in_o the_o year_n 1550._o grant_v johannes_n alasco_n a_o learned_a noble_a man_n of_o poland_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n liberty_n to_o gather_v a_o church_n of_o stranger_n in_o london_n and_o to_o order_v themselves_o according_a as_o they_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n among_o other_o godly_a order_n establish_v in_o that_o church_n that_o which_o concern_v the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o prevent_v the_o profanation_n of_o it_o we_o will_v repeat_v in_o alascoes_n own_a word_n baptism_n in_o our_o church_n say_v he_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o public_a sermon_n for_o see_v baptism_n do_v so_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v drive_v thence_o which_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o it_o true_o it_o be_v equal_a that_o that_o shall_v be_v perform_v public_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o common_a again_o he_o add_v now_o see_v our_o church_n be_v by_o god_n blessing_n so_o establish_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o it_o be_v one_o parish_n of_o stranger_n disperse_v throughout_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o one_o body_n corporate_a as_o it_o be_v call_v in_o the_o king_n grant_v and_o yet_o all_o stranger_n do_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o our_o church_n yea_o there_o be_v those_o who_o while_o they_o avoid_v all_o church_n will_v pretend_v to_o the_o english_a church_n that_o they_o be_v join_v with_o we_o and_o to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o english_a church_n and_o so_o do_v abuse_n both_o they_o and_o we_o lest_o the_o english_a church_n and_o the_o minister_n thereof_o shall_v be_v deceive_v by_o the_o imposture_n of_o such_o man_n and_o that_o under_o colour_n of_o our_o church_n we_o do_v baptize_v their_o infant_n alone_o who_o have_v adjoin_v themselves_o to_o our_o church_n by_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o observation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o that_o our_o church_n may_v be_v certain_a that_o the_o infant_n that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v their_o seed_n who_o have_v join_v themselves_o thereto_o in_o manner_n aforesaid_a the_o father_n of_o the_o infant_n to_o be_v baptize_v it_o possible_a he_o can_v or_o other_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o notable_a credit_n in_o the_o church_n do_v offer_v the_o infant_n to_o baptism_n and_o do_v public_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o suffer_v no_o stranger_n to_o offer_v infant_n to_o baptism_n in_o our_o church_n who_o have_v not_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o willing_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n lest_o otherwise_o they_o who_o present_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n may_v in_o time_n plead_v that_o they_o belong_v to_o our_o church_n and_o so_o shall_v deceive_v the_o english_a church_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o those_o which_o present_v infant_n to_o baptism_n they_o propound_v three_o question_n the_o first_o be_v be_v these_o infant_n which_o you_o offer_v the_o seed_n of_o this_o church_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v here_o baptize_v by_o our_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n answer_v yea._n this_o instance_n be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v because_o alasco_n affirm_v in_o the_o preface_n of_o that_o book_n that_o this_o liberty_n be_v by_o the_o king_n grant_v to_o they_o out_o of_o his_o desire_n to_o settle_v alike_o reformation_n in_o the_o english_a church_n which_o in_o effect_n you_o see_v the_o same_o with_o our_o practice_n in_o this_o particular_a reply_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o stranger_n in_o london_n record_v by_o john_n alasco_n be_v far_o different_a from_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n not_o in_o some_o by-circumstance_n but_o in_o the_o main_a point_n in_o question_n for_o your_o judgement_n be_v that_o true_a visible_a believer_n baptize_v and_o partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o other_o church_n not_o yet_o gather_v into_o church-estate_n or_o fellowship_n have_v no_o right_a or_o interest_n in_o the_o seal_n they_o nor_o their_o seed_n but_o this_o church_n of_o stranger_n hold_v no_o such_o opinion_n as_o their_o own_o word_n which_o you_o have_v omit_v do_v plain_o speak_v and_o paul_n testify_v say_v they_o that_o by_o christ_n ordinance_n the_o church_n itself_o without_o exception_n of_o any_o member_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v clean_o or_o holy_a by_o the_o ministry_n of_o baptism_n whence_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o baptism_n do_v neither_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v altogether_o without_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n second_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o they_o for_o so_o they_o profess_v yet_o nevertheless_o that_o we_o may_v open_o show_v that_o the_o english_a church_n and_o we_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n though_o we_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o they_o both_o in_o language_n and_o ceremony_n we_o do_v not_o refuse_v that_o the_o english_a may_v as_o public_a witness_n of_o the_o church_n offer_v the_o infant_n of_o our_o member_n to_o baptism_n in_o our_o church_n if_o they_o have_v both_o the_o use_n of_o our_o language_n and_o a_o certain_a testimony_n of_o their_o piety_n as_o in_o like_a manner_n our_o member_n be_v accustom_v to_o offer_v the_o infant_n of_o the_o english_a to_o baptism_n in_o the_o english_a church_n if_o your_o judgement_n be_v this_o of_o the_o english_a church_n your_o judgement_n in_o acknowledge_v we_o member_n of_o true_a church_n and_o practice_v in_o debar_v visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o the_o seal_n be_v opposite_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o three_o this_o order_n be_v observe_v by_o they_o to_o prevent_v the_o imposture_n of_o some_o who_o whilst_o they_o avoid_v all_o church_n pretend_v to_o the_o english_a that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o stranger_n and_o to_o the_o stranger_n that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o english_a but_o you_o debar_v know_v christian_n who_o desire_v to_o join_v themselves_o with_o you_o not_o to_o prevent_v imposture_n of_o they_o who_o avoid_v all_o church_n yea_o you_o debar_v they_o as_o man_n have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o sacrament_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o church-fellowship_n and_o herein_o you_o can_v show_v no_o precedent_n ancient_a or_o modern_a either_o from_o scripture_n or_o monument_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o your_o practice_n be_v without_o example_n so_o without_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o we_o can_v consent_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o particular_a which_o we_o thus_o propound_v 1_o reason_n that_o sacred_a order_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o visible_a church_n for_o all_o his_o saint_n to_o keep_v and_o walk_v by_o that_o be_v religious_o to_o be_v observe_v but_o for_o man_n to_o set_v up_o that_o as_o a_o necessary_a order_n which_o god_n never_o allow_v approve_a or_o command_v be_v great_a presumption_n now_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o ordain_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n or_o body_n politic_a of_o faithful_a people_n join_v together_o in_o spiritual_a church-fellowship_n by_o covenant_n before_o he_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n supper_n
judge_v many_o time_n if_o they_o arrogate_v such_o power_n unto_o themselves_o we_o allow_v not_o rashness_n or_o precipitancy_n pride_n or_o self-conceitedness_n we_o know_v it_o be_v meet_v that_o weighty_a matter_n shall_v be_v manage_v by_o council_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o bring_v every_o particular_a thing_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o councillor_n there_o be_v peace_n but_o over_o many_o councillor_n oft_o cause_v distraction_n and_o different_a apprehension_n breed_v delay_n the_o nature_n of_o your_o church-covenant_n as_o you_o describe_v it_o infer_v not_o a_o necessitle_n of_o bring_v every_o such_o business_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o you_o bind_v yourselves_o mutual_o to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o and_o in_o love_n to_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v sin_n and_o to_o encourage_v in_o well-doing_n as_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n but_o this_o essential_o tie_v not_o any_o man_n to_o a_o perpetual_a residence_n in_o one_o place_n for_o then_o even_o occasional_a absence_n shall_v be_v a_o breach_n of_o covenant_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n you_o say_v in_o your_o covenant_n you_o promise_v to_o perform_v no_o new_a duty_n to_o your_o brethren_n which_o be_v not_o before_o command_v of_o the_o lord_n but_o only_o revive_v and_o renew_v your_o purpose_n afresh_o of_o perform_v such_o duty_n to_o that_o particular_a body_n into_o which_o you_o be_v then_o to_o be_v incorporate_v as_o be_v before_o enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n but_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o command_v either_o express_o or_o by_o consequent_a that_o no_o member_n of_o a_o congregation_n shall_v remove_v or_o occasional_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o habitation_n before_o he_o have_v acquaint_v the_o church_n whither_o he_o go_v and_o upon_o what_o occasion_n and_o whether_o the_o place_n be_v dangerous_a where_o he_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v infect_v or_o safe_a where_o he_o may_v be_v edify_v these_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o weight_n and_o to_o be_v undertake_v with_o advice_n but_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o belong_v not_o to_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o society_n and_o the_o church_n shall_v burden_v herself_o above_o measure_n if_o she_o take_v upon_o she_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o all_o such_o occasion_n neither_o be_v it_o safe_a to_o commit_v the_o determination_n of_o such_o matter_n ever_o to_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o multitude_n or_o weight_n of_o reason_n as_o they_o shall_v apprehend_v the_o matter_n and_o if_o such_o business_n must_v be_v determine_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o to_o go_v before_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o alm_n lest_o the_o holy_a thing_n be_v pollute_v by_o notorious_a obstinate_a offender_n we_o 230._o fear_v the_o time_n appoint_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v profane_v with_o unseasonable_a dispute_n instance_n may_v be_v allege_v if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o as_o for_o the_o covenant_n itself_o which_o you_o mutual_o enter_v into_o if_o therein_o you_o exact_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n require_v both_o for_o trial_n and_o stipulation_n far_o be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v disallow_v it_o but_o if_o you_o constrain_v man_n to_o meddle_v with_o thing_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o and_o wind_v they_o up_o high_a than_o god_n will_v and_o strain_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o pitch_n that_o you_o seem_v here_o to_o do_v in_o this_o branch_n a_o godly_a and_o sober_a mind_n may_v well_o pause_v before_o he_o make_v such_o promise_n all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o equal_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n &_o if_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o some_o it_o be_v expedient_a to_o have_v the_o consent_n not_o only_o of_o the_o whole_a society_n but_o of_o neighbour_a society_n minister_n especial_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o draw_v this_o to_o the_o removal_n or_o abode_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v not_o intermeddle_v with_o every_o business_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o question_v whether_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o he_o or_o no_o or_o not_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o know_v the_o most_o to_o be_v unfit_a to_o counsel_v in_o such_o a_o case_n do_v he_o break_v his_o covenant_n therein_o and_o so_o commit_v a_o sin_n in_o a_o sort_n like_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n judge_v yourselves_o if_o in_o other_o case_n you_o will_v not_o censure_v this_o to_o be_v a_o high_a encroachment_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o strict_a bind_n of_o man_n conscience_n by_o humane_a constitution_n may_v you_o not_o expect_v to_o hear_v from_o your_o own_o ground_n that_o herein_o you_o have_v devise_v a_o expedient_a or_o necessary_a rite_n or_o custom_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n and_o prevent_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o never_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o so_o do_v if_o your_o exposition_n will_v hold_v good_a you_o break_v the_o second_o commandment_n rite_n and_o custom_n expedient_a to_o prevent_v confusion_n for_o the_o time_n let_v they_o be_v observe_v as_o custom_n expedient_a and_o what_o god_n require_v in_o the_o examination_n or_o admission_n of_o member_n let_v that_o take_v place_n according_a to_o the_o precedent_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n but_o to_o press_v custom_n only_o expedient_a for_o the_o time_n as_o stand_v rule_v necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o for_o all_o person_n to_o put_v that_o authority_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n which_o god_n never_o put_v upon_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o intermeddle_v further_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n than_o the_o word_n do_v warrant_v to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o that_o under_o so_o heavy_a a_o penalty_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v it_o and_o to_o debar_v know_v and_o approve_a christian_n from_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v as_o settle_a member_n to_o abide_v and_o stay_v in_o the_o society_n unless_o they_o shall_v obtain_v leave_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o charge_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n to_o be_v man_n who_o against_o light_n refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o can_v approve_v which_o yet_o we_o suspect_v will_v follow_v from_o your_o judgement_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v of_o in_o your_o practice_n and_o here_o we_o entreat_v leave_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o you_o have_v consider_v already_o schil_fw-la that_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n either_o express_o or_o implicit_o to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o god_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v they_o to_o seek_v the_o 7._o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n but_o we_o never_o find_v that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o their_o soul_n or_o that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v judge_n thereof_o you_o stand_v 12._o all_o of_o you_o this_o day_n say_v moses_n before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o wilderness_n joshua_n circumcise_v but_o it_o be_v incredible_a to_o think_v that_o among_o that_o great_a multitude_n there_o be_v not_o one_o who_o do_v not_o give_v good_a testimony_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o soul_n we_o read_v often_o time_n that_o israel_n after_o some_o grievous_a fall_n and_o revolt_n renew_v their_o covenant_n 30_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n the_o judge_n david_n samuel_n also_o joash_n josiah_n and_o nehemiah_n etc._n etc._n but_o no_o particular_a enquiry_n be_v make_v what_o work_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o singular_a person_n but_o the_o confession_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n be_v take_v when_o john_n baptist_n begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o gather_v a_o new_a people_n for_o christ_n he_o admit_v none_o to_o baptism_n but_o upon_o confession_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o question_n that_o he_o put_v forth_o unto_o they_o to_o discover_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n